Sri Lanka spinner brought in to cover until Kartik's arrival
Somerset have signed Ajantha Mendis as their overseas player for the first few weeks of the 2011 county campaign.
The Sri Lanka spinner, who has taken 61 wickets in 15 Tests, will arrive in Taunton in time for the start of the season.
Mendis, 25, will fill the role until India spinner Murali Kartik arrives.
"I am delighted to be signing for Somerset," Mendis told the county's official website.
"Unfortunately I was unable to play county cricket in 2010 due to international commitments, so when the opportunity to play for Somerset arose this season I jumped at the chance.
"The county were one of the strongest last season and with a couple of exciting signings over the winter I hope I can play my part in helping them secure some silverware in 2011."
KP returns
Somerset have also confirmed the return of West Indian all-rounder Kieron Pollard for the second half of the Friends Provident t20.
Pollard was a big factor in the Cidermen's run to last year's final and is looking forward to returning.
"The team is close knit, passionate and committed to each other and together we will play some exciting cricket," he said.
The 23-year-old is likely to be unavailable for the early stages of the mid-summer tournament as West Indies have a one-day series against India scheduled.